Swans on This Day – March 23

Have you ever wonder how the Swans did on a particular date in history or wondered which league or competition they played in? Well read on to find out exactly what happened, wherever and whenever the Swans played on 23rd March.

Cedric Van der Gun

6 years ago on 23 March 2010 – The Swans were hammered 5-1 at Blackpool in the Coca-Cola Championship. Paulo Sousa’s injury hit team were forced to play Dutch winger Cedric Van der Gun at left-back and ironically it was the Dutchman who scored the Swans consolation goal in the 84th minute. The 9,149 crowd witnessed the Swans suffer their heaviest away defeat in since April 2002!

12 years ago on 23 March 2004 – Caretaker manager Alan Curtis saw his side get a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town in Nationwide Football League Division Three thanks to a first half strike from Andy Robinson.

14 years ago on 23 March 2002 – A goalless draw at Darlington in Nationwide Football League Division Three was the least of the Swans worries as the club awaited the outcome of a creditors meeting to decide if their settlement proposal had been accepted. If the proposal had been declined, the Swans would have been forced into administration. Thankfully 92.4% of the creditors at the meeting agreed the terms and the club entered Company Voluntary Administration.

17 years ago on 23 March 1999 – A Steve Watkin brace earned the Swans a 2-1 win at promotion rivals Scunthorpe United in Nationwide Football League Division Three under the guidance of manager John Hollins.

20 years ago on 23 March 1996 – New captain Shaun Garnett led the Swans to a 0-0 draw at Brentford in Endsleigh Insurance League Division Two. Manager Jan Molby handed debuts to new signings Colin McDonald and Linton Brown, whom were both strikers.

Andy Legg

23 years ago on 23 March 1993 – Despite Andy Legg giving the Swans a half-time lead, league leaders Stoke City ran out 2-1 winners at the Vetch Field in front of a Barclays League Division Two crowd of 8,366. The defeat meant Frank Burrow’s team stayed in 10th position in the league table.

25 years ago on 23 March 1991 – The Swans drew 0-0 with 2nd in the table Grimsby Town at the Vetch Field in Barclays League Division Three. A crowd of 3,203 watched Frank Burrows first game in charge after the sacking of Terry Yorath two days earlier on 21st March.

26 years ago on 23 March 1990 – Promotion chasing Bury inflicted a one nil defeat on the Swans at the Vetch Field in Barclays League Division Three.

31 years ago on 23 March 1985 – Alan Waddle made his debut as the Swans lost 4-2 to relegation rivals Leyton Orient in Canon League Division Three. All John Bond’s men had to show for thier efforts was a Colin Pascoe brace.

39 years ago on 23 March 1977 – The Swans came back from 4 goals down to draw 4-4 with Stockport County in the Football League Fourth Division. Harry Griffith’s team treated the 6,383 Vetch Field crowd to some great entertainment as goals from George Smith, Les Chappell, Eddie May and Alan Curtis, all in the space of fourteen second-half minutes, earned the Swans an unlikely point.

42 years ago on 23 March 1974 – Despite Alan Curtis opening the scoring in the first minute, the Swans had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Division Four rivals Lincoln City. Pat Lally rescued a point for Harry Gregg’s men with a 19th minute equaliser.

Were you at any of these games – if you were then leave a comment below with your memories.